VALORANT players got their first look at the new agent after the Prime Gaming looting page accidentally leaked marketing material on the unrevealed 19th VALORANT agent, codenamed “Neon”
VALORANT players got their first look at the new agent after the Prime Gaming looting page accidentally leaked marketing material on the unrevealed 19th VALORANT agent, codenamed "Neon."
Riot Games has been broadly hinting at a new agent with a kit based around movement mechanics, stating she's an agent who can "outpace the rest of the roster."
The Amazon loot page is there for fans to pick up in-game content like gun buddies or sprays. Yet, briefly during the morning of December 31st, there was an unfamiliar agent alongside the other loot. A new agent rocking a neon splattered look, blazing by enemies and seemingly disorienting them in the process. The leak clearly hints at her unique movement bound abilities. Shortly after the leak, her name was revealed to be "Neon," matching her chromatic style.
The tease from the State of the Agents December post, emphasizes the blue athletic footwear, the lightning aesthetic, and the idea of playing around with agent's run speed. The Amazon leak confirms some of the speculation around her coinciding with the VCT Champions trailer announcement on December 12th.
An indistinct voice can be heard saying: “Enemies in our way? I hope they like getting by lightning” and “Get ready, I go fast,” making her comparable to a certain blue video game hedgehog.
According to voice lines released on the December 8th patch, Chamber received an update relating to the new agent: “When you go meet the new agent, pack something light, Manila is quite warm this time of year,” indicating Neon hails from the Philippines.
Neon's Kit
Neon's kit has only been hinted at but nothing concrete has been revealed. Based on the small bits of information we know, she's almost certainly a duelist or potentially an initiator. It's been no secret that Riot has had trouble balancing the Jett one-trick playstyle. As dash has revolutionized the entry fragger on VALORANT rosters. Neon could have a similar impact. Adding another movement option agent, similar to Jett's dash, would add a fresh, new dynamic. Or Neon may posses the title of first agent with faster run speeds based on the concept art.
No amount of Jett nerfs have made her any less viable. Her pick rate continues to hover in the 80% range across all skill levels. The next viable option outside of nerfing Jett would be to bring a new agent to the game that provides similar advantages. Neon could shift the meta away from insta-locking Jett. The faster agent could supersede the need for Jett or could combo with her abilities.
In Riot's December post, the team stated they will be taking a winter break. Announcements will follow soon after. However, the surprising leak could prompt an earlier than planned reveal of Neon. Furthermore, no timetable's available for her release, but information could be coming quickly based on new developments.